When we saw the first leaked images of the new Cherokee, we found them rather hard to believe; after all, they were revealing something never seen before on a Jeep model. Those images however were very accurate and the model finally made its world debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

When initially announced, Jeep->ke40 claimed the new Cherokee will deliver "even more best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model," - aka Jeep Liberty.

The new Cherokee will be built at the company's assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio and will be put on sale in the third quarter of this year. Customers can choose from the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and the Trail Rated Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

Updated 06/10/2013: Jeep announced today prices for the 2014 Cherokee set to go on sale in the third quarter of this year. Click past the jump to see how much you have to pay for the new SUV.

Updated 08/09/2013: Jeep launched an online configurator for the 2014 Cherokee that will allow you to customize the look of your upcoming SUV. This configurator also allowed us to find out the prices on some options offered for the Cherokee, so check them after the jump.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 271
  • Torque: 239
Pros
Cons

2013 Honda CBR1000RR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Honda CBR1000RR
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 271
  • Torque: 239
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2014 Cherokee offers a design never seen before on a Jeep model, but the company announced this is just a preview version "for the future with a global appeal.” The first design element that catches our attention is that waterfall hood with the seven-slotted grille featuring a horizontal snap. There is also a one-piece hood separated from the front fenders in a modern twist of Jeep heritage.

The new, slim headlights are offered with LED lighting technology, just like the new taillight graphic.

For 2014, Cherokee customers will have a choice of eleven different exterior colors: Bright White Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Eco Green Pearl Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat, Auburn Pearl Coat, Cashmere Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, and Anvil Clear Coat.

Interior

The totally new exterior look is combined with a sophisticated interior that features high-quality materials, precision craftsmanship and attention-to-detail. The cockpit has been designed around the driver and comes loaded with easy-to-use, useful technologies.

Both the driver and passengers will enjoy ergonomically designed seats trimmed in premium cloth or quality Nappa leather, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel and numerous aluminum insertions will offer the car a sporty feeling.

The 2014 Cherokee can be ordered with either a thin-film transistor (TFT) LED 3.5-inch grayscale or a 7-inch full-color reconfigurable instrument cluster.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

For the new Cherokee, Jeep is offering a Trailhawk variant that wants to exemplify Jeep's 4x4 capabilities. It is offered with exclusive exterior and interior colors and is distinguished by a series of special features like: Jeep signature red front tow hooks, skid plates, an aggressive front and rear fascias.

The new Trailhawk version can be ordered with a standard Trail Rated off-road package that can be customized depending on five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

Standard Equipment

-One-inch factory lift

-Jeep Active Drive Lock with locking rear differential

-Skid plates

-Signature red tow hooks

Drivetrain

Under the hood, Jeep has placed a choice of two engines, both mated to a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission. Base models are offered with a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 inline-four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque.

As an option, Jeep also offers the all-new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers a total of 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque and also ensures a best-in-class V-6 towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

The new 948TE nine-speed automatic transmission represents a first-ever feature for this segment and offers numerous benefits like aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and improved fuel efficiency.

Suspension and Brakes

The 2014 Cherokee will be equipped with a new front independent suspension with MacPherson struts and a new rear independent multi-link suspension.

Jeep also offers an electronic power steering system (EPS) that improves fuel efficiency and contributes to the Jeep Cherokee’s nimbleness with a turn circle radius of approximately 36 feet in 4x2 models, approximately 38 feet in 4x4 models and roughly 39 feet in the Trailhawk off-road model.

Prices

Trim and Driveline

MSRP

Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x2

$22,995

Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x4

$24,995

Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x2

$24,495

Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x4

$26,495

Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x2

$27,995

Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4

$29,995

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4

$29,495


Options

SiriusXM Satellite Radio

$195

PearkView Rear back-up camera

$345

17-inch X 7.0 painted aluminum wheels

$995

Compact Spare Tire

$195

Engine block heater

$100

Full Sunroof with power front and fized rear

$1,395

Trailer Tow Group

$495

Cold Weather Group

$795

Leather Interior Group

$1,295

Comfort Convenience Group

$1,895

Technology Group

$2,195


Competitors

The mid-size SUV segment is the largest SUV segment in North America, so finding an alternative to the new Cherokee shouldn't raise any problems.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 has just entered its fourth generation, and just like with any other new model, it offers improved exterior and interior look. One downside is that Toyota offers just one engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Customers interested in a V-6 will have to continue looking, as the RAV4 no longer offers one.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander has also been recently updated with an updated exterior and a new engine. Customers can now choose between a 3.0-liter V-6 MIVEC engine that delivers a total of 224 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower.

Conclusion

The new Cherokee comes with a design language never seen on any other Jeep model and whether it will be successful or not only time will tell. However, Jeep seems to have decided to apply the same treatment to all its future models, so be prepared for more shocking models in the future.